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Artistically Gifted Children

How can parents and teachers assess whether a child is
artistically gifted? In Identifying Artistically Gifted Children, Willemina Foeken does a commendable job of summarizing research, listing
characteristics of artistically gifted youth, and offering recommendations for
parents and teachers.

Foeken believes that artistic talent does not normally
reveal itself as early as musical talent. When looking at the childhoods of
great artists, we find that the earliest known painting of Rembrandt was done
at the age of 19. Although Leonardo da Vinci took up art at the age of 15, all
his great work was done after the age of 40. Matisse and van Gogh didn’t start
painting until they were in their 20s.

Foeken feels that the most remarkable work on artistically
gifted children has been done by C. Gaitskell and V. Lowenfeld who both
conducted many long-term case studies. Foeken summarizes the characteristics
that Gaitskell and Lowenfeld use to identify children as being artistically
gifted. They are

Artistically gifted children show fluency of imagination and
expression. These children can’t get their ideas down fast enough. They don’t
need stimulation. One idea leads to another.

They might have a highly developed sensibility in certain
areas. For example, movement, space, rhythm, color. (One small boy I taught was
only interested in tempera paints and lost interest if other media were used.
Another child drew only figures showing a lot of movement or action.)

They show integration of thinking, perceiving, and feeling.

There is a distinctive quality to their imagination. These
children have faith in their ideas and don’t find the need to copy.

There’s a directness of expression. The gifted child can be
very expressive but only if the experience motivating him or her to paint, has
been personally meaningful. Such a child rarely responds well to classroom
activities where the teacher sets the topic.

There is a high degree of self-identification with the
subject and the medium. Artistically gifted children live their art. They are
in their work. It is part of them. Even the medium is often like an extension
of the fingers. Their work is intensely personal and shows an inner need for
visual expression.

Most of these children draw well before the age of 2—usually
by 15 months if given the chance.

They are always above average in intelligence. Although
studies indicate that all those gifted in art score well in IQ tests, the
reverse is not always true. Many with high IQs are below average in art!

All show extraordinary skill with the medium.

There is usually a sensibility for design.

Each child is highly individual and inventive.

The artistically gifted child works frequently on a favorite
art form. No encouragement is needed. (Foeken, 2005)

Foeken offers recommendations for parents and teachers of
artistically gifted children, based on both Lewenfeld’s suggestions, as well as
her own. They are

Regard your child’s art as a record of his or her
personality.

Don’t put too much emphasis on the end product.

Display the work of all of your children—not just the one
best at art.

Teach your child to respect the work of others.

Don’t correct wrong proportions.

Don’t encourage competitiveness in art.

Provide your child with an appropriate space for work and suitable
materials.

Send your child to art classes.

Don’t show children how to paint.

Allow experimentation.

Provide a range of materials and experiences to suit as many
children as possible.

Avoid the trap of over-teaching. Teachers need to know when
to assist and when it is best to leave children alone. (Foeken, 2005)

Foeken also says not to be concerned if, as a parent, you
know very little about art. Some of the greatest artists also had parents who
knew very little about the subject. She advises parents to burn all coloring
books and “how-to-draw” books. Do visit art galleries with children and make
them familiar with the art sections of the library. “Above all, enjoy your
child’s creativity but don’t make a great fuss over it.”

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About Me

I am the author of Raising a Gifted Child: A Parenting Success Handbook and former author of the popular Prufrock's Gifted Child Information Blog.
I continue to offer the best strategies and resources for parents and teachers of gifted young people.
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